Flotilla 4 Members Recognized by 8th Western Rivers District

During the District Awards Banquet, Flotilla 4 and its members were recognized for all of their hard work in 2009. The following awards were presented to the members of Flotilla 4:

Commodore’s Honor Flotilla Streamer
Flotilla 4
Travis Daniels, Flotilla Commander

Auxiliary Achievement Medal
Nick Critelli

Auxiliarist of the Year 2nd Runner-Up
Doug Jansen

Compass Rose Award
Presented to members performing 100 or more hours but less than 200 hours of Patrols and CG Operational Support
Wendy Faganel
Ralph Tomlinson
Jeffrey Towle

Sextant Award
Presented to members performing 200 or more hours but less than 300 hours of Patrols and CG Operational Support
Nick Critelli

500 Club
Presented to members performing 50 or more Vessel Safety Checks but less than 100
Doug Jansen

1000 Club
Presented to members performing 100 or more Vessel Safety Checks but less than 200
Ralph Tomlinson

Apple Award
Presented to members performing 15 or more hours but less than 100 as Head Instructor in Public Education and Member Training missions
Nick Critelli
Doug Jansen
Roland Newton
Norma Newton
Ralph Tomlinson
Jeffrey Towle

Ruler Award
Presented to members performing 30 or more but less than 100 hours as Instructor Aide in Public Education and Member Training missions.
Norma Newton
Jeffrey Towle

Travelers Award
Presented to members performing 20 or more RBS Program Visits
Doug Jansen
Phil Patterson
Ralph Tomlinson
Jeffrey Towle


Publicist Award
Presented to members performing 25 or more Public Affair hours.
Doug Jansen
Trevor Henderson
Ralph Tomlinson
Suzanne Tomlinson
Jeffrey Towle

2500 Club
Presented to members achieving a total of 250 or more but less than 500 weighted points
Nick Critelli
Travis Daniels
Trevor Henderson
Norma Newton

5000 Club
Presented to members achieving a total of 500 or more weighted points.
Doug Jansen
Ralph Tomlinson
Jeffrey Towle

Marine Safety Award
Presented to members performing 25 or more hours of Marine Safety missions.
Nick Critelli
Paul Faganel
Wendy Faganel
Ralph Tomlinson
Suzanne Tomlinson
Jeffrey Towle

Marine Environmental Protection
Presented to members performing 25 or more hours of Marine Environmental missions
Nick Critelli
Wendy Faganel
Trevor Henderson
Jeffrey Towle

Outreach Award
Presented to members performing 25 or more hours in Government Support, International Affairs and Legislative Outreach
Nick Critelli

Sparky Award
Presented to members performing 25 or more Radio Watchstanding hours.
Roland Newton

Photography Award Vessel Examination
Doug Jansen

Photography Award Public Education
Doug Jansen

Photography Award Operations
Doug Jansen

Critelli Earns Coast Guard Auxiliary Achievement Award

Auxilarist Nick Critelli was presented with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Achievment Award at the 8th Western Rivers District Awards Banquet.

Nick Critelli was presented this award for "superior performance of duty while serving as the Sector Upper Mississippi River Liaison Officer to the Iowa Army National Guard from June 2009 to February 2010. Nick is a member of Flotilla 4 in Des Moines.

Nick Critelli (center) is presented with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Achievement Award by CDR Campbell (left) and COMO Dan Maresh (right).
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary by Bill Colby)

Flotilla Members Named to National Staff Positions

Flotilla 4 member, Suzanne Tomlinson has been appointed as the National Branch Chief of Boating Safety Communications (BC-BSC). This position is part of the Recreational Boating Safety Affairs Department. Mrs. Tomlinson is a teacher in the Humboldt Community School District and has been part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2008.

“I am pleased with the confidence that the National Staff has shown in appointing me to this position,” said Mrs. Tomlinson. “It will take some time to completely learn the ins and outs of this job and I am eager to get started.”

The RBS Affairs Department, under the program guidance of the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety and the direction of the Auxiliary Directorate of Recreational Boating Safety, provides assistance to Coast Guard units, Auxiliary National Departments and Auxiliary District organizations in their efforts to promote and support recreational boating safety programs. RBS Affairs provides both informational and fiscal resource services to the Auxiliary membership. In addition, the RBS Affairs provides liaison with State Boating Law Administrators and other recreational boating safety organizations, i.e., State, Federal and the public sector.

Flotilla 4 member, Rob Green has been appointed as the Graphics Branch Chief of the National Staff. “This position will definitely enhance my capability to coordinate and execute Coast Guard Auxiliary design projects,” said Mr. Green.

Rob is a former Coast Guard officer and a lifelong artist. After graduating from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1998 he spent six years on active duty as Operations Officer of USCGC SEDGE (WLB-402) in Homer, Alaska; as Admin Staff for the Assistant Commandant for Operations (G-O) at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC; and finally as Executive Officer of USCGC HICKORY (WLB-212) in Homer, Alaska.

Iowa House of Representatives Honors Flotilla 4

Many leaders from the Iowa National Guard first became aware of the existence of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary when we were providing protection for the public at the scene of the spillway to Saylorville Dam which they happened to pass on their way to the Joint Forces Headquarters. Later they saw us again when we helped staff the State Emergency Operations Center with LTJG Townsend from Sector Upper Mississippi. They were astonished to learn that we were volunteers who were donating our time and talent without expectation of compensation.
Representative Tymeson, who sponsored a resolution in the Iowa Legislature recognizing Flotilla 4 for its service during the Floods of 2008. She is also Brigadier General Jodi S. Tymeson of the Iowa National Guard. We appreciate the continued support of General Tymeson for our activities.

The certificate reads:
“It having been made known to the House of Representatives by its Honorable Representative Jodi S. Tymeson, that the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 085-33-04 (Flotilla 4) deserves recognition for its voluntary service, staff, support and assistance to the United States Coast Guard, the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division at the State Emergency Operations Center during the Floods of 2008.

Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing, the House of Representatives does hereby extend its appreciation and thanks them for their professionalism, dedication, and outstanding performance of duty.”

Nick Critelli presents the certificate of recognition to Travis Daniels from the
Iowa House of Representatives
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Doug Jansen)

Flotilla 4 Members Recognized at the Division 33 Awards Night

Flotilla 4 was represented at the Division 33 Awards Dinner by Norma and Roland Newton, Ralph and Suzanne Tomlinson, and Trevor Henderson.

Leading off the awards for the night, Division 33 Commander Jean Goble began the evening with recognition of the National Water Safety Congress Award of Merit that will be presented to Flotilla 4 in April.

Flotilla 4 members who took part in the Des Moines River Clean-Up Safety Patrol event were recognized with the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device. This award was approved by Captain Hudson, the Commander of Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi, “for exceptionally meritorious service on 16 August 2008 while serving on the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 085-33 River Clean up Safety Patrol Team.” During a routine safety patrol, these individuals were part of an effort to rescue three boaters in the Des Moines River whose boat had capsized. The team brought the boaters to safety and secured the capsized boat.

Members from Flotilla 4 named for the award are:
Tony Crandell
Nick Critelli
Travis Daniels
Robert Ellis
John Halbrook
John Hawkinson
Trevor Henderson
Gene Kellogg
Norma Newton
Roland Newton
Ralph Tomlinson
Suzanne Tomlinson
Jeff Towle

For more information on this award go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritorious_Team_Commendation



The Flotilla 4 members in attendance were joined by Ron and Pauline Longnecker from Flotilla 3, along with Jose Medina representing Flotilla 6, to receive the award. Also joining in the picture are Frank Reiss, Division 33 Vice Commander, Jean Goble, Division 33 Commander, and Karel Kester, District Captain – West. (left to right, front row) Suzanne Tomlinson, Norma Newton, Ron Longnecker, Jean Goble, Karel Kester. (left to right, back row) Frank Reiss, Pauline Longnecker, Roland Newton, Jose Medina, Ralph Tomlinson, Trevor Henderson.

Presentation of the AUXOP device followed, recognizing the efforts of Nick Critelli, Suzanne Tomlinson, Norma Newton, and Roland Newton.

Then the 8th Western Rivers District Award presentations were done. Below is a summary of those awards.
Apple Award - Ralph Tomlinson - 15 or more but less than 100 hrs as Head Instructor in Public Education/Member Training missions.
Publicist Award – Doug Jansen
Jeff Towle
- 25 or more Public Affairs hours
2500 Club – Doug Jansen
Jeff Towle
- 250 or more but less than 500 weighted points
Marine Environmental Protection Award – Jeff Towle - 25 or more hours of Marine Safety.
Outreach Award – Nick Critelli
Travis Daniels
Robert Ellis
John Hawkinson
Jeff Towle
- 25 or more hours of Government Support, International Affairs, Legislative missions.
Best Flotilla Scrapbook Runner-Up – Flotilla 4, Suzanne Tomlinson
Best Flotilla Photograph Honorable Mention – Flotilla 4, S. Tomlinson
Best Flotilla Photograph Runner-Up – Flotilla 4, Doug Jansen

Lastly were the Division 33 specific awards. By this time Flotilla 4 members, especially Mr. Tomlinson representing Flotilla Commander Daniels, were busy walking off dinner working to the front of the room to receive awards.

Program Visitations – 1st Runner Up – Flotilla 4
VE’s 20 or more recognition – John Hawkinson
VE’s 2nd runner up Top Performer – Jeff Towle
VE’s Top Flotilla 1st Runner Up – Flotilla 4
Member Training 20 hrs or more recognition – John Hawkinson
Ralph Tomlinson
Public Education/Member Training Top Flotilla 2nd Runner Up – Flotilla 4
Harry Hartley Recruiting Award – Flotilla 4

BRAVO ZULU to ALL!

Ralph Tomlinson, 33-04 VFC, delivers the activity report for the Flotilla at the Division 33 Board/Staff Meeting. 21 Mar 09, Mahoney S.P. Ashland, NE.

8WR Awards Banquet

The St. Charles High School Dance Team entertains the banquet

Tonight's after dinner entertainment was provided by the St. Charles High School Dance team who is in town for State Competition.

Awards for Flotilla 4 received at the banquet included:

a. Runner Up ScrapBook Contest

b. Runner up Best Flotilla Photo

c. Photo Awards Honorable Mention Category:

a. Fellowship

b. Member Service

c. Public Education

Norma Newton Earns AUXOP Qualification

This weekend Flotilla 4 member, Norma Newton completed her final exam and earned her AUXOP qualification. Norma is the fourth member to complete the AUXOP program. Norma serves as the Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Education and Personnel Services as well as the Divison Staff Officer for Personnel Services.

The AUXOP, or Operational Auxiliarist, program is an advanced training program available only to members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. An AUXOP member has completed six advanced specialty courses and is entitled to wear the special AUXOP device on the uniform. Those courses are Seamanship, Navigation, Patrols, Communications, Weather, and Search & Rescue.

The Director of Auxiliary controls the examinations for the AUXOP Specialties. All of the examinations are closed-book.

Third AUXOP Qualification in Three Months

Flotilla 4 can add another AUXOP qualified member to the list as Roland Newton completed his final exam and earned his AUXOP qualification. Roland is the third member in three months to complete the AUXOP program.

The AUXOP, or Operational Auxiliarist, program is an advanced training program available only to members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. An AUXOP member has completed six advanced specialty courses and is entitled to wear the special AUXOP device on the uniform. Those courses are Seamanship, Navigation, Patrols, Communications, Weather, and Search & Rescue.

The Director of Auxiliary controls the examinations for the AUXOP Specialties. All of the examinations are closed-book.

Flotilla 4 Earns Award of Merit from National Water Safety Congress

Flotilla 4 has received notice that they have been selected to receive the Award of Merit from the National Water Safety Congress. The Coast Guard Auxiliary was nominated by the Saylorville Lake Corps of Engineers staff for their willingness to assist in safety and security during the Flood of 2008.

The National Water Safety Congress (NWSC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting recreation water safety in the United States. The Congress was organized in 1951 in response to a growing number of recreation related drownings. There are two basic approaches to attain goals of reducing fatalities, injuries, and property damage related to water recreation: education and enforcement.

NWSC Awards of Merit: These awards are presented annually for those individuals, organizations, firms or agencies that have made a significant contribution or an outstanding effort to enhance or promote water safety at the community or state level.

Special thanks was conveyed to the participants which included:

Travis Daniels
Nick Critelli
Jeff Towle
John Hawkinson
Dave Ellis
John Halbrook
Norma Newton

Tomlinson Earns AUXOP Qualification

CWO Leavell (left) Presents Ralph Tomlinson with his AUXOP Device During the Division 33 Change of Watch

The AUXOP, or Operational Auxiliarist, program is an advanced training program available only to members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. An AUXOP member has completed six advanced specialty courses and is entitled to wear the special AUXOP device on the uniform. Those courses are Seamanship, Navigation, Patrols, Communications, Weather, and Search & Rescue.

The Director of Auxiliary controls the examinations for the AUXOP Specialties. All of the examinations are closed-book.

For the past few months several members of Flotilla 4 have been working hard to complete all of these courses. Ralph Tomlinson is the first member of Flotilla 4 to earn this prestigious award. Congratulations to Ralph. Hopefully more members of our Flotilla can accomplish this as well.

AUXOP Device